The Ministry of Health has officially confirmed an outbreak of pneumococcal meningitis at Mwense Secondary School in Luapula Province, following the tragic deaths of two 19-year-old male learners on June 8 and July 3, 2025. The outbreak has raised concern among public health officials after a noticeable rise in flu-like symptoms among learners, including fever, cough, headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Laboratory tests conducted by the University Teaching Hospital and national reference laboratories confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae as the primary bacteria behind the current outbreak. Further analysis also isolated Influenza A, Influenza B, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, indicating a complex mix of respiratory pathogens contributing to the illness spike.
To date, a total of 83 suspected meningitis cases have been reported, with five confirmed infections and two deaths. Fortunately, there have been no new deaths in the past 24 hours. Sixteen patients have since been discharged, while 17 remain hospitalized—nine at Mwense District Hospital and eight at Mansa General Hospital.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry has swiftly mobilized national response teams from the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) and partner organizations. Isolation centres have been set up at both Mwense District Hospital and Mansa General Hospital to manage active cases. Mass screening exercises are underway, particularly at Mwense Secondary School, and infection prevention protocols have been strengthened to limit further spread.
Healthcare workers have undergone additional training to enhance early detection and management of meningitis. The Ministry has also stepped up community engagement, working with local stakeholders to raise awareness about prevention and control measures.
While vaccines for pneumococcal meningitis are available, the Ministry has adopted a preventive antibiotic treatment strategy in this case, rather than mass vaccination, based on the outbreak’s specific characteristics and current risk assessment.
The public is being urged to remain alert and to seek immediate medical care if experiencing symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or severe headaches. Preventive actions such as regular handwashing, wearing masks when symptomatic, and avoiding crowded spaces are strongly encouraged.
The Ministry is also calling on well-wishers and development partners to assist with improving infrastructure at Mwense Secondary School, particularly in areas such as ventilation, classroom spacing, and water supply systems, which are critical in managing and preventing infectious disease outbreaks.
Minister of Health Dr Elijah J. Muchima reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its citizens and called on all Zambians to work together in raising awareness and eliminating meningitis from the country.